westchester county joint protocols for efiling - unified court system
TRANSCRIPT
Joint Protocols for New York State Courts E-Filing (NYSCEF)Cases Filed in Westchester County
1
I. Introduction: In implementation of the New York State Courts E-Filing system (hereinafter
referred to as “the NYSCEF system”) in Westchester County Supreme Court in accordance with the
program established by the Chief Administrator of the Courts pursuant to Uniform Rules for the
Supreme and County Courts (hereinafter “Uniform Rules”) §§202.5-b and 202.5-bb , the Administrative
Judge of the Ninth Judicial District and the Westchester County Clerk as Clerk of the Supreme and
County Courts hereby promulgate local user protocols to assist users in implementing NYSCEF in
practice and provide guidance with respect to local practice and procedures used to process filings, fees
and court calendaring. In addition, it is suggested that users consult the User Manuals provided on-line
at the NYSCEF website (www.nycourts.gov/efile) as well as any applicable part rules.
A. Effect of Joint Protocols: The NYSCEF system does not change the rules applicable to
civil litigation. As such, the protocols promulgated herein, as well as any additions or
amendments thereto, do not change applicable rules or statutes with respect to civil practice as
defined by the New York State Civil Practice Law and Rules (hereinafter “CPLR”), the
Domestic Relations Law (hereinafter “DRL”), or the Uniform Rules or the Commercial Division
Rules (22 NYCRR 202.70). In addition, users are encouraged to be fully familiar with the
Westchester Supreme Court Differentiated Case Management Protocol the Practice Guide to the
Commercial Division, the Calendar Procedure for the Tax Certiorari/Condemnation Part, the
Matrimonial Part Operational Rules and the IAS Part Rules as they apply to the action type being
filed in the NYSCEF system.
B. Official Case Record: The official case record for any action or proceeding, and the filing
or entry of documents therefore, shall be the records maintained by the Office of the Westchester
County Clerk via its electronic database, online images and hard copy filings as per the
constitutional authority vested as the Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts. In addition, as
Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts, the Westchester County Clerk is and remains the
vested constitutional official with respect to access, maintenance and retention and dissemination
of court records within Westchester County.
C. Getting Started: Prior to utilizing the NYSCEF system, an attorney, party, or filing agent
must register to become an authorized user of the NYSCEF site at www.nycourts.gov/efile. All
attorneys admitted to practice in New York State are automatically registered to use NYSCEF
and can log into the system using their Attorney Registration Number and their Attorney Online
Services account password. Attorneys who have not created an Attorney Online Services
account (usually done when renewing one‟s bar registration), can use the Create Account link at
www.nycourts.gov/efile. An individual acting as filing agent for an attorney to a case must file a
Statement of Authorization for E-filing form accessible at www.nycourts.gov/efile, whereby the
attorney authorizes the agent to file on the attorney‟s behalf. This authorization for a filing agent
for an attorney is not available for matrimonial actions. Any NYSCEF User shall immediately
contact the NYSCEF Resource Center if they have reason to believe their user identification or
password may have been compromised, and may request a new user identification or password.
D. Cases Eligible for E-Filing: In Westchester County, e-filing may be mandatory, voluntary
or unavailable depending on the case type.
1. Mandatory Electronic Filing: All civil matters not specifically excluded in Paragraph 3
below must be commenced and proceed electronically. Unless otherwise provided by the
2
Uniform Rules, the County Clerk will not accept commencement documents in paper form in
these cases nor will the court accept subsequent documents in such matters in paper form. If
a party wishes to commence a case under seal or under an anonymous caption, the party
should contact the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Court County Clerk‟s Office before filing
any documents.
2. Voluntary Electronic Filing: By Administrative Order of the Chief Administrative
Judge dated April 1, 2013, matrimonial actions, as defined in the Administrative Order may
be electronically filed on a voluntary basis in Westchester County Supreme Court as of April
1, 2013. Matrimonial cases that are E Filed will be restricted as per the Domestic Relations
Law and will not be available to be viewed by non-parties.
3. Actions Filed in Paper: Article 78, election, mental hygiene, including Article 81
guardianship matters, and matrimonial matters not subject to or participating in consensual
E-filing as specifically described in Paragraph 2 above cannot be filed electronically, even on
a voluntary basis. These actions must be commenced and proceed in hard copy.
4. Exemptions from Electronic Filing in Mandatory Actions: An exemption from
having to file and serve documents electronically may be claimed by an attorney or a party
not represented by an attorney by filing the form prescribed by the Chief Administrator
(www.nycourts.gov/efile). If an attorney or self-represented party is exempt from
participation in e-filing in accordance with the Uniform Rules, any document filed with the
court in hard copy form by that person must bear a completed Notice of Hard Copy
Submission - E Filed Case indicating that the document is exempt from mandatory e-filing.
Any emergency filing made in hard copy in accordance with the Uniform Rules must also
bear a completed Notice of Hard Copy Submission - E Filed Case Please note that the
emergency filing procedures set forth in the Uniform Rules refer to statutory deadlines and
not deadlines as set by the court. Further, under the Uniform Rules, the filer must
electronically file the documents initially filed in hard copy form within three business days
of the emergency filing. The originals will be discarded after the documents have been
processed so failure to electronically file as required will lead to an incomplete record.
II. Identifying E-filed Cases: E-filed cases must be readily identifiable and marked as such.
Whenever counsel presents papers to the Office of the Westchester County Clerk or the Court Clerk in a
NYSCEF matter, counsel should alert the Clerk that the case is a NYSCEF matter. Further:
A. When commenced via NYSCEF: Cases that are commenced by the filing of initial papers
with the NYSCEF system are identified as e-filed cases by assignment of an index number of
50,000 or higher. Upon filing of the commencement pleadings and payment of the statutory fee,
the Westchester County Clerk will assign a NYSCEF designated Index Number and the filer
shall be notified via the NYSCEF system of the number assigned and filing date. Such index
number must be affixed to all document submissions, filings and communications to the
Westchester County Clerk and the Court.
B. When converted to NYSCEF: Cases originally commenced in hard-copy form but later
converted to NYSCEF status consensual and by delivery of an original, signed Stipulation and
Consent to E-file (Form EF-10) to the Office of the Westchester County Clerk will be assigned a
3
new NYSCEF Index Number of 50,000 or higher. Conversion will take place within five (5)
business days or receipt of signed Stipulation and Consent to E-file, and confirmation of new
NYSCEF Index Number shall be communicated via e-mail to counsel as indicated on the
Stipulation. Matrimonial actions commenced in hard copy, cannot be converted to NYSCEF
status.
III. Filing of Papers:
A. Commencing an Action: To commence an action, login to the NYSCEF System at
www.nycourts.gov/efile, choose the court in which you wish to commence your action, and then
choose the action type. Please be aware of the following Westchester requirements when
commencing your action:
1. Article 75/Commercial/Tort Actions: When commencing an Article 75, Commercial,
Tort or any other NYSCEF eligible action or special proceeding required to be commenced
by Petition, select “Petition” as the document type under the Commencement Document
menu. If filing a Notice of Petition in addition to the Petition, please select “Notice of
Petition” as a separate document from the Accompanying Documents menu. The Petition and
Notice of Petition must be separate PDF files.
2. Foreclosure Actions: When a Notice of Pendency (Lis Pendens) is filed at the same
time a foreclosure action is commenced, it must be filed as a separate PDF file. Please select
the initiating documents from the Commencement Document menu and then select “Notice
of Pendency” as a separate document from the Accompanying Documents menu.
3. Tax Certiorari Proceedings: When commencing a tax certiorari proceeding, the Notice
of Petition and the Petition must be uploaded as one PDF file using the document type
“Notice of Petition/Petition (Tax Certiorari)” in the Commencement Document menu.
4. Matrimonial Actions: When commencing a Matrimonial Action, please select the
initiating documents from the Commencement Document menu. Each accompanying
document must be filed as a separate document. Commencement papers must be served in
hard copy pursuant to the Civil Practice Law and Rules together with the a Notice of
Availability of E-Filing (Form EF-3 on the NYSCEF website) to advise your adversary of
your desire that this case proceed as an electronically filed case. Your Affirmation/Affidavit
of Service should reference service of not only the commencement papers, but also the
“Notice Regarding Availability of Electronic Filing”.
B. Consenting to Electronic Filing: The procedure for obtaining consent for voluntary filing
of Matrimonial actions is set forth in Uniform Rule §202.5-b(b)(2). In general, consent shall be
obtained by stipulation of the parties or by the defendant responding to the service of a Notice of
Availability of E-Filing (Form EF-3 on the NYSCEF website) by logging on to NYSCEF and
electronically registering consent. By logging in at your earliest convenience to register your
consent, you will be assured of promptly receiving all court notifications. All documents to be
filed by a non- consenting party must be delivered to the County Clerk‟s Office with a Notice of
Hard Copy Submission. In mandatory e-filed cases, unless exempted from the e-filing
requirements by the Uniform Rules, all parties must consent to e-filing.
4
C. Paper Documents Not Accepted: All documents required to be filed with the court in any
e-filed case must be electronically filed unless otherwise provided by the Uniform Rules or this
Protocol. Any such document that is submitted in hard copy form without a Notice of Hard
Copy Submission - E-Filed Case attached as a cover sheet will not be accepted by the Clerk.
The documents will be returned and deemed filed when properly submitted.
D. Rejection of Hard Copy Filings: In accordance with Uniform Rule §202.5(d)(1), the
County Clerk shall refuse to accept for filing hard copy papers filed in an action subject to
electronic filing unless hard copy filing is permitted by the Uniform Rules and the papers bear a
Notice of Hard Copy Submission - E-Filed Case. Equipment will be available in the 9th floor
courthouse library and the Office of the Westchester County Clerk for use by filers with hard
copy submissions so that such papers can be electronically filed.
E. Payment of Fees: Payment for fee-bearing NYSCEF documents may be made online via
credit card (American Express, MasterCard or Visa) at the time of submission. Alternatively, fee
payment may be made via Automated Clearing House (ACH) Debit from a bank account
provided an authorization form is on file in the Office of the Westchester County Clerk (visit the
“Services” tab at www.WestchesterClerk.com and select “ACH Debit Accounts” for more
details).
F. Filing a Document where Size, Consistency or Context Prevent E-filing: With limited
exceptions as set forth in the Uniform Rules and herein, all documents to be filed with the court
in a NYSCEF case shall be filed online via the NYSCEF system. However, should the size,
consistency or context of a hard copy document preclude its electronic filing, the user shall
electronically file a Notice of Hard Copy Filing - E-Filed Case. Any hard copy submitted
pursuant to this section shall include, as a cover page firmly fastened thereto, a copy of the
Confirmation Notice received from the NYSCEF site confirming receipt of the Notice of Hard
Copy Filing - E-Filed Case. Any party may object to such hard copy filing, and the Court, in
response to such objection, may, following the hard copy filing, fashion such relief as it deems
appropriate pursuant to and in furtherance of the Uniform Rules and these protocols, including,
but not limited to, an Order directing the filing party to file such documents online via the
NYSCEF system. When exhibits are impractical to file pursuant to 202.5-b (d) (6), an additional
Notice of Hard Copy Exhibit Filing is required to be submitted.
G. Social Security Numbers: An attorney or self-represented party filing a document via the
NYSCEF system must comply with the requirements of General Business Law §399-dd(6),
which will often require redaction of any social security number that appears in the original
document.
H. Exhibits: In the NYSCEF system, each exhibit should be uploaded as a separate PDF file.
After uploading a primary document, please choose the document type “Exhibit”, enter the
appropriate number or letter, and be sure to place a check mark to the right of “Attach to main
document”. Each exhibit should bear a separate cover sheet clearly marked as Exhibit A, Exhibit
B, etc.
I. Errors Upon Submission: Submission of documents which, upon examination, require
correction or addition will result in notification to the filer advising that there is a problem with a
5
document. The filer shall make the required corrections and/or additions as indicated in the e-
mail transmission sent by the NYSCEF site. The corrected documents may be resubmitted using
the “re-file this document” link highlighted in the document list for the respective case. Please
note that in the case of multiple submissions, all related documents filed at the same time will
also be returned for correction until all documents are properly submitted. In the event a
document is returned for correction, the original file date will be preserved.
J. Technical Failures: When filing by electronic means is hindered by a technical failure (as
set forth in Uniform Rule §202.5-b (h) (3) (i)), a party may file with the appropriate Clerk in hard
copy. With the exception of deadlines that by law cannot be extended, the time for filing of any
document that is delayed due to technical failure of the NYSCEF system shall be extended for
one day for each day on which such failure occurs, unless otherwise ordered by the court.
K. Correspondence: Correspondence, only as expressly permitted by part rules, must be filed
and transmitted to other parties via the NYSCEF system. No duplicate copies of the
correspondence shall be provided to the court by either fax or mail.
L. Discovery Materials: In any action subject to electronic filing, parties and non-parties
producing materials in response to discovery demands may enter into a stipulation authorizing
the electronic filing of discovery responses and discovery materials to the degree and upon terms
and conditions set forth in the stipulation. Electronically filed discovery materials become
available to the public in the case docket, as would any other electronically filed document, so
confidential materials should be exchanged between parties outside of the NYSCEF System. In
the absence of such a stipulation, no party shall file electronically any such materials except in
the form of excerpts, quotations, or selected exhibits from such materials as part of motion
papers, pleadings or other filings with the court unless otherwise specified by statute, rule or part
rule.
M. Notice of Entry: Pursuant to the NYSCEF Rules, the Court Clerk shall file orders
electronically and such filing shall constitute entry of the order. The NYSCEF system will
provide notification that the order has been entered. Such notice does not constitute service of
notice of entry by any party. Notice of Entry is served by a party as follows: the party shall
transmit electronically to the parties to be served a notice of entry, a copy of the notification
received from the court, and a copy of the order or judgment. The Notice of Entry language must
be on the face page of the document and not contained in the legal backing.
N. Subpoenas:
1. Proposed Subpoena To Be So Ordered: Proposed Subpoena(s) To Be So Ordered
must be submitted to the court in hard copy only and do not require a Notice of Hard Copy
Submission. These documents are not to be filed via the NYSCEF system. Filers are to
submit their proposed subpoenas to be so ordered to the 9th floor Civil Calendar Office of
Westchester Supreme Court. An RJI must be filed in the case prior to submitting a proposed
subpoena(s) to be so ordered. Please indicate on the RJI in Other “proposed subpoena(s) to
be so ordered”. The RJI must be uploaded to NYSCEF and a working copy with
confirmation notice attached must be submitted with the proposed subpoena(s) to be so
ordered.
6
2. Subpoena Duces Tecum: A party wishing to serve a Subpoena Duces Tecum on the
Office of the Westchester County Clerk shall submit to the Clerk in hard copy only. A
Notice of Hard Copy Submission is not required. The required twenty dollar ($20.00) fee
must be paid. These documents are not to be filed via the NYSCEF system. The document
shall clearly state the index number and caption of the case to be subpoenaed, as well as
clearly state the Court or location the file will be subpoenaed to. At least five (5) days notice
is requested to allow the Clerk to comply with said subpoena. Upon compliance with said
subpoena, Clerk will upload a copy into the NYSCEF case file.
O. Working Copies: Electronically filed documents subject to review and processing by the
Civil Calendar Clerk‟s office do not require a working copy unless otherwise directed or
provided for in part rules. Any working copy without a Confirmation Notice generated by the
NYSCEF system firmly fastened thereto as a cover page will not be accepted.
1. Filing Must Precede Delivery of Working Copies: Pursuant to Uniform Rule §202.5-
b, any working copy submitted shall include, as a cover page firmly fastened thereto, a copy
of the Confirmation Notice generated by the NYSCEF site at the time of filing. Court staff
will not screen each working copy to be sure that it is an accurate reflection of the document
filed via NYSCEF. Should counsel fail to file a document with NYSCEF, that document will
not be part of the County Clerk‟s file.
2. Format of Working Copies: Working copies must contain tabs and backs. Each
document or group of documents that is separately bound must have a Confirmation Notice
firmly fastened thereto as a cover page.
3. Working Copies Not Accepted by the County Clerk: Working copies are not accepted
by the Office of the Westchester County Clerk for forwarding to the assigned IAS Justice,
nor are they received and filed as part of the case file maintained by the Westchester County
Clerk in his capacity as Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts.
4. Printing of Working Copies: Working hard copy documents, when required by the
assigned IAS Justice or by rules of procedure, are not printed and provided by the Office of
the Westchester County Clerk or the Civil Calendar Clerk‟s office.
5. Delivery of Working Copies: All working copy documents shall be delivered to the
court part of the assigned IAS Justice or in the manner directed by the court. Filers must
familiarize themselves with part rules to determine whether working copies are permitted.
Working copies submitted by mail or overnight delivery must be conspicuously marked on
the outside of the package – “Working Copy”.
6. Working Copies Discarded: The official record of a document in an electronically filed
case is the document filed via the NYSCEF system. Working copies are intended only for
use by the Justice. The court will discard all working copies after the Justice has finished
with them. Thus, in the event that counsel fails to file a document via the NYSCEF system,
the document will not be part of the court record.
7
IV. Preliminary Conferences:
A. Preliminary Conference Part: For actions in the Preliminary Conference Part, in lieu of
making an appearance at a scheduled preliminary conference, all parties in a NYSCEF case may
agree upon a discovery schedule and submit an appropriate preliminary conference form order
stipulated to by all parties as a “Proposed Preliminary Conference Order” in the NYSCEF system
at least two (2) days prior to the conference date. The discovery schedule therein set forth must
be in compliance with the disclosure guidelines for a case of the type in question as set forth in
Uniform Rule 202.19. No further action by counsel is required. The signed preliminary
conference order will be posted on the NYSCEF site, and counsel will be notified via the
NYSCEF system. If the contents of the form submitted are not acceptable to the court, counsel
will be contacted. See Uniform Rule 202.12(b).
B. Preliminary Conferences in Matrimonial Actions: In matrimonial actions, preliminary
conferences sought by parties pursuant to 22 NYCRR 202.16(f)(1) will be scheduled through the
Matrimonial Part upon uploading a Request for Judicial Intervention. The court will notify the
parties of the preliminary conference date and assigned Court Attorney Referee by uploading a
“Preliminary Conference Notice”. The Preliminary Conference Stipulation/Order with Respect
to Grounds for Divorce and the Preliminary Conference Stipulation/Order Contested
Matrimonial shall be submitted by uploading to NYSCEF document type “Preliminary
Conference Stipulation/Order with Respect to Grounds for Divorce - (proposed)” and the
“Preliminary Conference Stipulation/Order Contested Matrimonial - (proposed)” at least two (2)
days prior to the scheduled conference date. Any request for an adjournment of the Preliminary
Conference in the Matrimonial Part must be submitted via the NYSCEF system at least two (2)
days prior to the scheduled conference date by uploading document type, “Request for
Adjournment of Conference”.
V. Requests for Judicial Intervention (RJIs): An RJI in a NYSCEF case shall be filed via the
NYSCEF system. Any attachments to an RJI, with the exception of a motion or order to show cause,
shall be submitted along with the RJI as one PDF file.
A. All NYSCEF eligible Actions and Proceedings: If an RJI is accompanied by a Request for
a Preliminary Conference, the filer should choose document type “RJI-RE: Request for
Preliminary Conference” and both documents should be uploaded as one PDF file in the
NYSCEF system. In a medical malpractice action, if an RJI is accompanied by a “Notice of
Medical Malpractice”, the filer should choose document type “RJI re: Notice of Medical
Malpractice” and both documents should be uploaded as one PDF file in the NYSCEF system.
B. Commercial Division Assignments: In the case of an RJI seeking assignment to the
Commercial Division, the filer must submit, as required by the standards for assignment of
cases to the Commercial Division (Uniform Rule 202.70 (d)(2)), the Commercial Division
Request for Judicial Intervention Addendum and ensure that all pleadings have been
electronically filed. The RJI and addendum should be uploaded as one PDF file in the NYSCEF
system.
C. Tax Certiorari Proceedings: In the case of an RJI accompanying a petition to commence a
Tax Certiorari proceeding, neither document is forwarded to the court for calendaring purposes.
8
Said filings shall remain with the Westchester County Clerk and entered into the casebook as
required by CPLR §9702(2). The filing of commencement pleadings institutes pre-calendaring
activities as prescribed by the Uniform Rule 202.59.
D. Residential Foreclosure Actions: The plaintiff is required to file proof of service of the
summons and complaint with NYSCEF and, at the same time, file an RJI with Foreclosure
Addendum. For actions commenced after October 20, 2010, plaintiff must file an Affirmation of
Accuracy (Residential Mortgage Foreclosure) with the RJI. Depending on the information
provided in the RJI, the court may schedule a mandatory settlement conference pursuant to
CPLR §3408 and Uniform Rule §202.12-a. No motions or ex parte applications may accompany
the RJI if the matter is subject to a mandatory settlement conference pursuant to CPLR §3408.
E. Matrimonial Actions: In the case of an RJI being filed in a matrimonial action, the
Matrimonial Addendum (UCS-840M) should be attached to the RJI as one PDF file in the
NYSCEF system.
VI. Motions: Motion submission, including cross motions, shall comply with all relevant provisions
of the CPLR, the Rules of the Court, the Commercial Division Rules (22 NYCRR 202.70), the Practice
Guide to the Commercial Division, the Differentiated Case Management Protocol, the Matrimonial Part
Operational Rules and IAS part rules.
A. General: A motion on notice or a notice of petition in a NYSCEF case shall be filed through
the NYSCEF system and, except regarding a notice of petition commencing a Tax Certiorari
Action, must be accompanied by a Request for Judicial Intervention if the motion is being filed
upon commencement or if the matter has not yet been assigned to an IAS Justice. In addition,
cross motions and opposition and reply papers must be submitted via the NYSCEF system.
1. All NYSCEF-eligible Actions and Proceedings: A party seeking to make a discovery
motion shall do so in accordance with the Differentiated Case Management Protocol and via
the NYSCEF system by initially filing a Request for Pre-Motion Conference (Compliance
Part) via the NYSCEF system. When filing this document type, the filer must select Non-
Motion Documents and then Documents not related to a motion/petition/OSC for this
selection to appear in the Document Type drop down. As substantive motions do not require
a pre-motion conference, they may be filed via the NYSCEF system and will be referred to
an IAS Justice. Notification will be forwarded through the NYSCEF system upon the
assignment of an IAS Justice or a Part. Please review the Differentiated Case Management
Protocol and IAS part rules for additional information about motion practice.
2. Commercial Division: Pursuant to the Commercial Division Rules (22 NYCRR 202.70)
and the Practice Guide to the Commercial Division, no motion shall be made, except as
allowed by Rule 24 of the Commercial Division Rules, without a pre-motion conference with
the court. Pre-motion conference requests shall be made via telephone to chambers at
(914)824-5419 rather than via the NYSCEF system. All motions for summary judgment
shall be made via the NYSCEF System and shall be accompanied by the document type
Statement of Material Facts pursuant to Rule 19-a of the Commercial Division Rules. No
reply papers are permitted where the motion is brought by Order to Show Cause unless
9
previously authorized by the Court. Use the “Special Instructions” field in the NYSCEF
system to reference court authorization of reply papers.
3. Residential Foreclosure Actions: The plaintiff may apply ex parte for the appointment
of a referee to compute and for a judgment of foreclosure and sale if no defendant served an
answer to the complaint. The plaintiff must move on notice for summary judgment and the
appointment of a referee to compute and for a judgment of foreclosure and sale if a defendant
served an answer and did not waive further notice. Whether submitted ex parte or on notice,
applications for the appointment of a referee to compute must include a proposed order of
reference submitted as NYSCEF document type Proposed Order. Whether submitted ex
parte or on notice, applications for a judgment of foreclosure and sale must include a
proposed judgment submitted as NYSCEF document type “Judgment to Court”. In cases
where mandatory settlement conferences are required pursuant to CPR §3408, said
submissions can only be made after the case has been released from the settlement
conference part.
4. Matrimonial Actions: For pre-note of issue cases, except motions seeking emergency
relief, a pre-motion conference is to be requested by filing to NYSCEF document type
“Request for a Pre Motion Conference” (Matrimonial Part). When filing this document type,
the filer must select “Non-Motion Documents” and then “Documents not related to a
motion/petition/OSC” for this selection to appear in the Document Type drop down.
However, if the application is for post-note of issue relief or default judgment of divorce, the
filer shall upload the motion with a Rule E Motion Compliance Sheet without a “Request for
Pre-motion Conference.” Once a pre-motion conference has been held, the Rule E Motion
Compliance Sheet (given to the parties at the Pre-motion Conference) shall be attached to the
motion as the cover sheet. Motions seeking “emergency relief” must be filed by Proposed
Order to Show Cause with the Rule E Motion Compliance Sheet attached as a cover sheet.
Notification will be forwarded through the NYSCEF system upon assignment of the
motion/order to show cause to the Matrimonial Part Justice. Please refer to the Matrimonial
Part Operational Rules for additional information on motion practice.
5. Post Judgment Matrimonial Applications: Post judgment applications may be
commenced electronically in the NYSCEF System if the underlying matrimonial action was
commenced electronically on or after April 1, 2013 or if the initiation of the post judgment
application requires the purchase of a new index number. Service of post judgment initiating
documents must be effectuated in hard copy and accompanied by a Notice Regarding
Availability of Electronic Filing on a form to be approved by the Chief Administrative Judge.
Applications for post judgment relief do not require the upload of a “Request for Pre-Motion
Conference.” A Rule E motion compliance sheet must accompany all post judgment
matrimonial applications.
B. Calendaring of Motion: After a motion or notice of petition is filed with the NYSCEF
system, the fee accepted by the County Clerk and the submission reviewed by court staff, the
matter will be placed on the appropriate calendar.
1. All NYSCEF-eligible Actions and Proceedings: When filing a discovery motion,
which shall be made by Order to Show Cause in the NYSCEF system, enter a Monday return
10
date. Utilize the “Special Instructions” field to reference the “Briefing Schedule” in
accordance with which the motion is being made. Unless oral argument is waived, oral
argument will be heard and appearances are required. Substantive motions shall be made
returnable and heard in the IAS parts in accordance with the IAS part rules. Please refer to
IAS part rules to determine whether an appearance is required and utilize the “Special
Instructions” field in the NYSCEF system to incorporate appropriate instructions.
2. Commercial Division: When filing your motion in the NYSCEF system, enter a Friday
return date. Motions made returnable at any other time, absent prior permission of the Court,
will be adjourned by the Part Clerk to the next available Friday. Motions are submitted
without appearances unless otherwise directed by the Court.
3. Tax Certiorari/Condemnation Part: When filing a motion in the NYSCEF system,
enter a Wednesday return date. No appearance is required unless notified by the clerk.
4. Matrimonial Actions: When filing a motion in the NYSCEF system, the Rule E Motion
Compliance Sheet shall be attached as the cover sheet to the motion or proposed order to
show cause. The motion will be calendared on the assigned judge‟s motion calendar. Please
refer to the Matrimonial Part Operational Rules for additional information on motion
practice.
C. Adjournments: Motions that have been electronically filed may be adjourned only if an
adjournment complies with any directives of the assigned Justice or relevant part rules. If an
attorney wishes to submit a stipulation regarding an adjournment to be “so ordered”, such
stipulation should be filed via the NYSCEF system and the appropriate fee paid. Attorneys
should not assume a request for an adjournment submitted by stipulation has been granted until
and unless the Court approves and so-orders the same.
1. All DCM and IAS Part Civil Actions and Proceedings: A party seeking an
adjournment shall do so in accordance with the Differentiated Case Management Protocol
and applicable IAS part rules and via the NYSCEF system by choosing the following
NYSCEF document type: Request for Adjournment of Motion.
2. Commercial Division: Adjournments are governed by Rule 16(c) of the Commercial
Division Rules and the court‟s practice guide. In addition, pursuant to the court‟s practice
guide, requests for adjournment of matters appearing on the Friday calendar should be made
no later than 3 p.m. on Thursday. Requests for adjournments should be on consent and, if
approved by the Court, confirmed by a signed stipulation by all counsel. Such stipulation
must be filed via the NYSCEF system and designated as a Stipulation to Adjourn Motion.
3. Tax Certiorari/Condemnation Part: A party seeking an adjournment shall do so in
accordance with part rules and via the NYSCEF system by choosing the following NYSCEF
document type: Request for Adjournment of Motion.
4. Matrimonial Actions: A party seeking an adjournment of a motion shall do so in
accordance with Matrimonial Part Operational Rules and via the NYSCEF system by
choosing the following NYSCEF document type: Request for Adjournment of Motion.
Request for Adjournments of Conferences, including Preliminary Conference, Compliance
11
Conference, Settlement Conference and Pre-Motion Conference shall be requested via the
NYSCEF system by choosing document type: Request for Adjournment of Conference.
D. Exhibits: Please see Section III (H) above regarding the submission of exhibits.
E. Working Copies: Please see Section III (N) above regarding working copies.
F. Affidavits of Service: All affidavits of service must be filed with the NYSCEF system in
compliance with statutory requirements or pursuant to the directive of the court. Affidavits of
Service are required in an e-filed case only when documents have been served in hard copy or
pursuant to the directive of the court.
G. Decisions: Decisions and/or orders issued will be scanned by court staff into the NYSCEF
system, which will immediately transmit notice of the event via the NYSCEF system to all
parties and a link to the decision and/or order. In the case of orders, this notice does not
constitute service of notice of entry by any party (See Section III (M) for more information
regarding Notice of Entry).
VII. Orders to Show Cause: Proposed Orders to Show Cause (hereinafter “OTSC”) shall comply
with all relevant provisions of the CPLR, the Uniform Rules, Commercial Division Rule 20 (22 NYCRR
202.70), Uniform Rule 202.7(f) the Differentiated Case Management Protocol and the Matrimonial Part
Operational Rules regarding notice of the application to the opposing party. Those OTSCs in which
interim relief is sought require prior notice in accordance with the aforementioned rules. Counsel must
contact chambers to set up a time to be heard as to the interim relief requested.
A. General: Except as provided in the following paragraph, a proposed OTSC and supporting
documents in a NYSCEF case must be submitted by filing with the NYSCEF system. If the
Proposed Order to Show Cause is being submitted simultaneously with the purchase of an Index
Number, the filer must select “Proposed Order to Show Cause Accompanying Commencement
Documents” as their document type, as the $45.00 fee is waived. Original documents will not be
accepted by the County Clerk, unless specifically permitted by the Uniform rules or these
protocols.
B. Hard Copy Submission: If a party seeking a TRO submits an affirmation/affidavit
demonstrating significant prejudice from the giving of notice (see Uniform Rule 202.7(f) and
Commercial Division Rule 20) or if a party seeks to submit documents in an emergency in a
mandatory e-filed case in accordance with the Uniform Rules, the proposed OTSC and
supporting documents may be presented to the Calendar Clerk‟s Office (9th floor) in hard copy
form. The papers must have affixed thereto a completed Notice of Hard Copy Submission – E-
Filed Case. A proposed OTSC and supporting documents that must be presented to a Justice
outside of normal court hours shall be presented in hard copy. Documents submitted in hard
copy form must thereafter be filed via the NYSCEF system pursuant to the Uniform Rules.
C. Review: Absent unusual practical difficulties, a proposed OTSC and supporting documents
that have been filed with NYSCEF will be reviewed through the NYSCEF system by the Court.
If there are problems with the documents, the submitting attorney will be promptly contacted by
e-mail or telephone.
12
D. Working Copies: Counsel should consult relevant part rules to determine whether a
working copy of the proposed OTSC and the supporting documents must be submitted.
E. Hard Copy Service: In cases in which hard copy service is made of documents that were
submitted in hard copy form pursuant to paragraph VII (B) and where no party is served
electronically, the filing attorney or party shall, not later than two days after service,
electronically file the OTSC and the supporting papers, together with proof of hard copy service.
F. Declination: If the Justice declines to sign the OTSC, the Clerk will electronically file the
declined order. If the proposed OTSC and supporting documents were filed with the court in
hard copy form, the filing attorney or party shall file the supporting documents with NYSCEF no
later than two days after the filing by the Clerk.
G. Exhibits: Please see Section III (H) above regarding the submission of exhibits.
H. Other: Any OTSC not filed in accordance with the Uniform Rules and part rules will not be
addressed by the part. The proposed OTSC must be filed as a separate document and not
attached to supporting documents.
VIII. Sealed Documents and Restricted Matrimonial Files: In order to seal a document in a
NYSCEF case, a party must proceed in accordance with Part 216 of the Uniform Rules for the Trial
Courts. If concerns exist with respect to confidential information in the request to the Court, the
submitting party could deliver their application in hard copy with the Notice of Hard Copy Submission -
E-filed Case form affixed. All Matrimonial actions filed in NYSCEF are restricted in access in
accordance with Domestic Relations Law 235(1) and therefore no further application needs to be made
to maintain the confidentiality of these records.
A. *Secure Documents: Certain documents may have been designated as “Secure” by the filer
without an order of the court. The effect of such designation is that the document may be viewed
in the NYSCEF system only by counsel and self-represented parties to the case who have
consented to NYSCEF and by the court and the County Clerk. The electronic file, however,
remains open for public inspection at the Office of the Westchester County Clerk at designated
computer terminals. Please be advised that any document may be marked “secure” or may be
unsecured at the discretion of the Court or the County Clerk.
* The ability to mark documents “Secure” in NYSCEF has been repealed by AO 134/13
effective April 15, 2013, but documents which had been so designated prior to the repeal
will remain restricted from view over the internet.
B. Application for a Sealing Order: If a party wishes to file and maintain papers under seal
and no sealing order has been issued in the case, the party must, either by motion or on
submission to the court of a stipulation, obtain a court order directing the County Clerk to seal
the file. The court will conduct a Part 216 analysis in deciding whether to issue such an order. If
the motion/stipulation is filed via the NYSCEF system, it will be open to the public until a
sealing order is served upon the County Clerk by counsel in hard copy. Alternatively, the parties
may also make a motion or submit a stipulation without filing it to the NYSCEF system until the
court rules on the sealing issue. Any such motion or stipulation submitted in hard copy form
must bear a Notice of Hard Copy Submission - E-filed Case and must be accompanied by a
13
computer disk or CD-ROM containing the filings in PDF format. Any opposition or reply papers
shall likewise be submitted in hard copy form with such Notice of Hard Copy Submission - E-
filed Case, and be accompanied by a disk or CD-ROM containing the documents in PDF format.
Each such disk or CD-ROM shall bear a label containing the name of the case, the index number,
and the name and e-mail address of the attorney(s) submitting it.
C. Sealing Existing NYSCEF Document: If the court issues an order directing the sealing of
an existing NYSCEF file or a document or documents already filed via the NYSCEF system, the
County Clerk will seal the file or document(s) in question as directed by the court. Access will
be restricted to those specifically authorized by the sealing order.
D. Previously Sealed Documents in Converted Cases: If a case that was previously sealed
pursuant to court order is converted to NYSCEF status, attorneys for the parties to the action or
proceeding shall notify the Westchester County Clerk as Clerk of the Supreme and County
Courts of the sealing status by hard copy service of the original sealing order within two (2)
business days of execution of Stipulation and Consent to e-file or Court Order to convert file.
E. Identifying Sealed Documents: Further, submission of documents sealed via court order or
by operation of law shall be clearly labeled as SEALED on the title page of the document
submitted and, wherein applicable, be accompanied by a copy of the court order directing or
permitting the sealing of same.
F. Matrimonial Actions: All matrimonial actions filed in NYSCEF are restricted in
accordance with Domestic Relations Law §235(1). Access is limited to the consenting attorneys
to the specific case.
IX. Note of Issue:
A. All NYSCEF-Eligible Actions: No Note of Issue may be filed via the NYSCEF system
without a trial readiness order or a so-ordered trial readiness stipulation. Alternatively, in lieu of
an appearance, the parties may submit via the NYSCEF system document type “Trial Readiness
Stipulation” pursuant to the Differentiated Case Management Protocol and a trial readiness order
shall be issued and uploaded to the NYSCEF system.
B. Commercial Division: No Note of Issue may be filed via the NYSCEF system without a
trial readiness conference at which a trial readiness order will be issued and uploaded to the
NYSCEF system.
C. Tax Certiorari Proceedings: The filing of a Note of Issue in Tax Certiorari proceedings
shall not occur via the NYSCEF system unless all disclosure proceedings, except as hereinafter
set forth, have been completed. Any statement of income and expenses in such proceedings, as
provided for pursuant to Uniform Rule §202.59 (22 NYCRR 202.59) must be served upon the
respondent prior to filing of the Note of Issue. Upon service of said Note of Issue in such
proceedings, the respondent may request an audit as similarly provided for in Uniform Rule
§202.59. Prior to any trial of said proceedings, the Court may also require the exchange of pre-
trial memoranda and/or trial property appraisals by the parties to such proceedings.
14
D. Matrimonial Actions: No Note of Issue may be filed via the NYSCEF system without a
trial readiness conference at which a trial readiness order will be issued by the court and
uploaded to the NYSCEF system. The Note of Issue without Jury and Certificate of Readiness
must be filed to NYSCEF within twenty (20) days of filing of the trial readiness order in
NYSCEF. Please refer to the Matrimonial Part Operational Rules for additional information.
X. Consolidation or Joint Trial: Consolidation or joint trial of proceedings shall be at the
discretion of the court. In the case of consolidation of tax certiorari proceedings, all pleadings
containing multiple index numbers for multiple tax years shall be entered into the Clerk of the Court‟s
casebook bearing the first year NYSCEF index number assigned unless directed otherwise by the court.
XI. Judgments:
A. General Procedures: Filers must submit proposed judgments via the NYSCEF System as
single PDF files. Do not combine the proposed judgment with or within other pleadings.
1. Submission: A party seeking the entry of a judgment must submit a bill of costs, interest
calculation, any necessary supporting information or a judgment roll as defined by CPLR
§5017. If the entry of a judgment is based upon a decision and order or stipulation of
settlement, the submission must also contain a copy of the same pursuant to CPLR §5016(c)
or CPLR §3215(i) respectively. The statement for judgment must contain the addresses of
the debtor(s) and creditor(s) in order to be docketed by the Clerk as required by CPLR
§5018(c)(1). Failure to include the addresses will result in the document being returned to
the filer for correction.
2. Examination: The Judgment Clerk will examine the submission for entry. This status
does not guarantee entry of said judgment. It may still be returned to the filer for corrections
or deficiencies. Once examined, the proposed document status will change to „Reviewed by
Clerk‟ If the submission is deficient, the deficiencies will be communicated to the submitter
via the NYSCEF system. Once corrected, the judgment should be resubmitted via the
NYSCEF system.
3. Notification of Entry: Once the judgment is entered, notification will be sent via the
NYSCEF system to the submitting party. Entry consists of both entry as defined by CPLR
§5016(a) and recordation of any required statutory fee. Such notification shall not constitute
service of notice of entry, but instead only notification of entry of the judgment. It shall be
the responsibility of the submitting party to serve notice of entry on all parties, if required.
B. Entry of Default Judgments: A party seeking the entry of a default judgment by the Clerk
pursuant to CPLR §3215 shall choose the following NYSCEF document type: “Clerk Default
Judgment (Proposed)”. If the bill of costs is not included on the judgment itself, the filer must
choose the “Bill of Costs” document type and file it as a separate document. The filing fee is
forty-five dollars ($45).
1. Entry of Default Judgments Based on Stipulation: A party seeking the entry of a
default judgment by the Clerk pursuant to a stipulation that has been previously filed with the
Clerk shall choose the following NYSCEF document type: “Judgment to County Clerk-
Proposed”. A copy of the previously filed stipulation shall be affixed to the proposed
15
judgment as one PDF file. If the stipulation in which the judgment is based on has not yet
been filed or is being filed simultaneously with the judgment, the filer shall choose from
“Stipulation of Settlement” or “Stipulation of Discontinuance” and pay the required $35.00
fee. The filer shall also choose the following NYSCEF document type: “Judgment to County
Clerk- Proposed” and attach the proposed judgment as a separate PDF file. There is no fee to
enter said judgment.
2. Entry of Judgment Based on Decision and Order: If the entry of the judgment is
conditioned upon a previously signed decision and order, the filer shall choose the following
NYSCEF document type: “Judgment to County Clerk- Proposed” and a copy of the
previously filed decision and order shall be affixed to the proposed judgment as one PDF file.
There is no fee to enter said judgment.
C. Judgment Signed by the Court: As prescribed by Uniform Rule §202.5-b(d)5, a party
seeking the entry of a judgment signed by the court shall choose the following NYSCEF
document type: “Judgment – To Court (Proposed)”. The judgment shall comply with statutory
requirements and all necessary supporting pleadings must be filed as separate documents. A
working copy of the submission should only be provided to the assigned Justice if indicated in
part rules. Upon signature by the court, a copy will be forwarded to the County Clerk by the
court for taxation and interest calculation and the entered judgment will be uploaded by the clerk
into the NYSCEF site under the document type “Judgment”. Notification of such entry will be
transmitted by the NYSCEF System to the filer pursuant to Uniform Rule 202.5-b(h)3, and such
notice shall not constitute service of notice of entry. Individual court part rules regarding the
submission of judgments must be complied with in addition to statutory requirements and
protocols.
D. Judgments on Notice/Judgments with Notice of Settlement:
1. Judgment to be Signed by the Court: Judgments submitted on notice to the court
should comply with specific direction as provided in the order directing same, or be in
compliance with Uniform Rule 202.48. A party submitting a judgment on notice to the Court
shall choose the following NYSCEF document type: “Notice of Settlement w/Proposed
Judgment/Counter Judgment” and a working copy of the submission should only be
submitted if provided for in part rules.
2. Judgment Entered by the Clerk: A party submitting a judgment on notice to the Clerk
as specifically directed by court order via the NYSCEF system should choose the following
document type: “Judgment – To Court (Proposed)”. The judgment on notice must be
submitted five (5) days prior to the settlement date, and must include all necessary supporting
pleadings to allow entry. Notice of settlement, affidavit of service and proposed judgment
shall all be submitted as one PDF file. The Notice of Settlement shall be the first page of
the PDF with the date of settlement clearly identified.
3. Objections: Opposing counsel may object to the taxation of costs and disbursements by
submitting the document type “Objections to Taxation/Notice Re Taxation” in the NYSCEF
system.
16
4. Entry: Upon entry by the Judgment Clerk, notification of entry shall be communicated
via the NYSCEF system to the filer, and the in cases of objections, to objecting counsel.
Notification of entry shall not constitute service of notice of entry to or for any party.
E. Taxation Review: A party submitting an application to the County Clerk to review taxation
of costs without notice pursuant to CPLR §8403 via the NYSCEF system shall submit document
type “Objections to Taxation/Notice of Re Taxation” within the statutory time provided.
Determination of review will be communicated to both filer and opposing counsel via the
NYSCEF system by the Judgment Clerk.
F. Confession of Judgment: Entry of judgment by confession shall adhere to statutory
requirements of CPLR §3218.
1. Submission: A party seeking the entry of judgment by confession via the NYSCEF
system shall choose the document types “Confession of Judgment” (Affidavit of Defendant)
and “Confession of Judgment” for the statement as two separate PDF files. A statutory fee of
two hundred and ten ($210) dollars for the assignment of an index number is required, unless
the affidavit is executed in conjunction with a pre-existing Westchester County action. The
statement for judgment must be submitted simultaneously with the affidavit, and judgment
entered immediately thereupon the filing of the affidavit.
2. Venue: Venue is properly based in Westchester County upon either the residence of the
confessor at the time of execution of the affidavit, or upon express authorization as contained
in the affidavit. Affidavit must be in compliance with CPLR 3218(b).
3. Entry: Notification will be communicated via the NYSCEF system to the filer upon
entry. Such notification shall not constitute service of notice of entry, but instead only
notification of entry of the judgment. It shall be the responsibility of the submitting party to
serve notice of entry on all parties.
G. Docketing Judgments in Tax Certiorari Proceedings: In Tax Certiorari proceedings,
judgments shall be docketed only in the Declaratory Judgment program as promulgated by the
Westchester County Clerk to satisfy compliance with CPLR §9702 when said judgments do not
contain provision for costs and disbursements. If judgments do contain provision for costs and
disbursements, the judgments will be additionally docketed in the Monetary Judgment program
as promulgated by the Westchester County Clerk to satisfy compliance with CPLR §5018. In
both instances, judgments will be docketed bearing the first year NYSCEF case number assigned
unless directed otherwise by the Court. In cases that reflect multiple index numbers with a
combination of electronic and paper Index Numbers, the judgment will be docketed in the
earliest assigned Index number.
H. Subsequent Judgment or Order: When a previously entered judgment is affected by a
subsequent order or judgment, the Clerk will make the appropriate notation to the docket entry as
required by CPLR §5019(b).
1. New or Amended Judgments: In instances wherein the change to an entered judgment
is the result of a new or amended judgment, the notation will be made simultaneously with
17
the entry of the new or amended judgment, and notification of same will be transmitted via
the NYSCEF system to the submitting party.
2. Order: In instances wherein the change to an entered judgment is the result of an order,
notation of the docket will not be made until proper notice is given to the County Clerk
pursuant to CPLR §8019(c). A party seeking the modification of a judgment by order shall
choose document type CPLR 8019(c) Notification to Amend Docket which must include as
part of the attached PDF file a copy of the order directing the Clerk to note the docket.
I. Matrimonial Judgment of Divorce: When you are ready to submit a proposed judgment of
divorce in a matrimonial action, you must be sure to submit all required documents in the format
provided below. When a document is required or not is determined by whether the case is
contested or uncontested, as well as whether or not there are children involved.
1. Uncontested Matrimonial Actions: You will need to submit the documents listed
below in sub-section a, scanned as separate PDF documents. In addition, you will need to
submit an additional set of documents which you must scan together as one PDF document.
If there are children, these documents are listed in sub-section b. If there are no children,
these additional documents are listed in sub-section c.
a. Required Documents in All Uncontested Actions Where Judgment is Sought:
After commencement documents have been filed in a Matrimonial Action for an
Uncontested Matrimonial Divorce, the following documents must be filed to the
NYSCEF system as separate PDF documents whether or not there are children:
i. RJI - Re: Uncontested Matrimonial Action (Form UD-13) and Addendum (UCS
840M)
ii. Separation Agreement or Stipulation of Settlement
iii. Note of Issue (Form UD-9)
iv. Judgment of Divorce (Proposed) (Form UD-11)
v. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (Proposed) (Form UD-10)
vi. Certificate of Dissolution
vii. UCS 111 (only applicable with children)
viii. Qualified Medical Child Support Order (Proposed) (Form UD-8b) (only
applicable with children)
ix. Qualified Domestic Relations Order (Proposed)
18
b. Required Documents in Uncontested Actions with Children: The following
documents must be scanned in and filed as one PDF document named Uncontested
Matrimonial Packet – With Children:
i. Affidavit of Service (Form UD-3)
ii. Sworn Statement of Removal of Barriers to Remarriage (Form UD-4) and
Affidavit of Service (Form UD-4a)
iii. Affirmation of Regularity (Form UD-5) or Attorney Certification (22
NYCRR§130-1.1-a)
iv. Affidavit of Plaintiff (Form UD-6) and/or Affidavit of Defendant (Form UD-7)
v. Child Support Worksheet (Form UD-8)
vi. Support Collection Unit Information Sheet (Form UD-8a) if applicable
vii. Child Support Order Modification Notice (DRL §236-B[9] un-emancipated
children (language in Judgment of Divorce))
viii. NYS Case Registry Form
ix. Part 130 Certification (Form UD-12)
x. Non-Military Affidavit
xi. Notice of Automatic Orders (DRL §236)
xii. Health Care Coverage Notice (DRL §255)
c. Required Documents in Uncontested Actions without Children: The following
documents must be scanned in and filed as one PDF document named Uncontested
Matrimonial Packet – Without Children:
i. Affidavit of Service (Form UD-3)
ii. Sworn Statement of Removal of Barriers to Remarriage (Form UD-4) and
Affidavit of Service (Form UD-4a)
iii. Affirmation of Regularity (Form UD-5) or Attorney Certification (22
NYCRR§130-1.1-a)
iv. Affidavit of Plaintiff (Form UD-6) and/or Affidavit of Defendant (Form UD-7)
v. Part 130 Certification (Form UD-12)
vi. Non-Military Affidavit
vii. Notice of Automatic Orders (DRL §236)
viii. Health Care Coverage Notice (DRL §255)
19
2. Contested Matrimonial Actions: You will need to submit the documents listed below
in sub-section a, scanned as separate PDF documents. In addition, if your matter has been
settled, you will need to submit an additional set of documents, listed in sub-section b, which
you must scan together as one PDF document.
a. Required Documents in All Contested Actions Where Judgment is Sought: The
following documents must be filed to the NYSCEF system as separate PDF documents
whether or not there are children:
i. Separation Agreement or Stipulation of Settlement
ii. Note of Issue (Form UD-9), unless previously filed for trial
iii. Judgment of Divorce (Proposed) (Form UD-11)
iv. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (Proposed) (Form UD-10)
v. Certificate of Dissolution
vi. UCS 111
vii. Qualified Medical Child Support Order (Proposed) (Form UD-8b) only
applicable With Children
viii. Qualified Domestic Relations Order (Proposed)
b. Required Documents in Settled Action: The following documents must be scanned
together and filed as one PDF document called NYSCEF Document Type: “Contested
Matrimonial – Settled – Packet for Judgment of Divorce”.
i. Affidavit of Service (Form UD-3)
ii. Sworn Statement of Removal of Barriers to Remarriage (Form UD-4) and
Affidavit of Service (Form UD-4a)
iii. Affirmation of Regularity (Form UD-5) or Attorney Certification (22
NYCRR§130-1.1-a)
iv. Affidavit of Plaintiff (Form UD-6) and/or Affidavit of Defendant (Form UD-7)
v. Child Support Worksheet (Form UD-8)
vi. Support Collection Unit Information Sheet (Form UD-8a) if applicable
vii. Child Support Order Modification Notice (DRL §236-B[9] un-emancipated
children (language in Judgment of Divorce))
viii. NYS Case Registry Form
ix. Part 130 Certification (Form UD-12)
x. Non-Military Affidavit
xi. Notice of Automatic Orders (DRL §236)
xii. Health Care Coverage Notice (DRL §255)
XII. Discontinuing Foreclosure Actions and Cancelling Notices of Pendency/Lis Pendens: “Discontinuances of Action” and “Cancellation of Notices of Pendency/Lis Pendens” cannot be
combined into one document and must be uploaded as two separate documents. Select “Stipulation of
Discontinuance” (or “Notice of Discontinuance” if applicable) as a separate document under the Main
Document menu. If also cancelling the Notice of Pendency/Lis Pendens, select “Cancellation of Notice
of Pendency/Lis Pendens” as a second document under the Document menu.
20
XIII. Notice of Appeal and Appeal Papers: A Notice of Appeal shall be filed online in a NYSCEF
case and the fee paid as set forth above. The Notice of Appeal will not be considered filed until the
payment of the fee has been accepted by the Westchester County Clerk. The Notice shall be filed in
conformity with existing rules, and shall contain the Request for Appellate Division Intervention
(RADI) form as required by the Appellate Division, the Notice of Appeal, as well as a copy of the
Decision/Order appealed from as one PDF file. Failure to include the necessary components will result
in the document being returned for correction. Proof of hard copy service must be filed via NYSCEF.
At present, the Appellate Division does not handle appeals in NYSCEF cases by electronic means. As
such, the appellant shall be responsible for conversion of electronic submissions to hard copy. The
Office of the Westchester County Clerk will not provide hard copies of filed documents to constitute the
record. Upon disposition of the appeal, the party that prevails on appeal must upload a copy of the
appellate decision in the NYSCEF system. An Amended Notice of Appeal may be filed via NYSCEF in
order to correct a clerical defect. The procedure follows that of the original Notice of Appeal, and the
filer shall select the NYSCEF document type Amended Notice of Appeal. There is no fee required.
Failure to include the necessary components will result in the document being returned for correction.
XIV. Other:
A. Effect of Communication from the Office of the Westchester County Clerk: Any and all
e-mail notifications from the Westchester County Clerk shall not be construed or considered to
be service of notice of entry for purposes of commencement of the statutory time to appeal or
otherwise. Such communications from the Clerk shall constitute and serve only as notification
of receipt or entry in a ministerial capacity.
B. Appearances: Electronically filed documents subject to review and processing by the
Calendar Clerk‟s Office do not require an appearance by counsel unless otherwise directed or
provided for in local rules of practice.
C. Support: Any attorney who requires assistance in a NYSCEF case is encouraged to contact
the part with questions about individual part rules or to contact the E-filing Resource Center at
646-386-3033 with any questions about the NYSCEF system. In addition, a computer and
scanner is available in the 9th floor courthouse law library and in the public area of the Legal
Division of the Office of the Westchester County Clerk for the use of attorneys who may need
assistance in making filings in a NYSCEF case.